South Australia proudly celebrates a major milestone in its history with 2025 marking the 150th anniversary of the state’s forest and timber industries.
Acknowledging this remarkable milestone, Members of Parliament, industry leaders and stakeholders gathered at the 2025 Parliamentary Friends of Forestry event to celebrate the foundational legacy of the industry and recognises South Australia as the birthplace of the nation’s commercial plantation forests.
South Australian Forest Products Association chief executive Nathan Paine said from the first hectare of trees planted in 1875 in the Bundaleer Forests in the Mid-North, the industry has grown to 176,000 hectares, directly and indirectly supports over 21,300 jobs, processes the fibre that supports new homes, pallets that move the products we buy and many other industries.
“South Australia has long been at the forefront of innovation and sustainable forest management, and the launch of the 150th celebrations marks a proud reflection of the industry’s enduring success and its growing importance to the state’s economic value chain, regional development, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
“As part of the celebrations, the official 150th anniversary logo was unveiled which beautifully represents both the softwood and hardwood plantation species, whilst also capturing the essence of the sunrise industry that is the forest industries.
“This monumental occasion also provides a unique opportunity to highlight how our industries touch our everyday lives in ways we might not recognise through showcasing a range of products that are supported by the forest industries. From paper bags to wine, eggs, fruit and vegetables and even the humble roll of toilet paper, the forest industries are a foundational element of our everyday lives.”
Mr Paine said throughout 2025, SAFPA would be shining a spotlight on sustainable forestry industries and exploring the future of plantation forestry in South Australia, including a centrepiece gala dinner which will be held in June in the heart of the Green Triangle, Mount Gambier.
All calendar events and activities can be sourced at www.safpa.com.au/150/
South Australian Forest Products Association chair Tammy Auld said South Australia was proudly the birthplace of the nation’s commercial forestry plantations.
“It was great to kick start the year-long celebrations with Members of Parliament, industry leaders and stakeholders at the Parliamentary Friends of Forestry event,” she said.
“The forest industries are all around us and have been building our state and our nation over the last 150 years. It is a critical industry for the nation’s future, and SAFPA, with support from the Government of South Australia, is pleased to coordinate celebrations to acknowledge the legacy and future opportunities of South Australia’s forest industries.
“Understanding that forest products are embedded in our everyday lives and to connect the plantation forest tree to the product, SAFPA started the celebrations by sharing with all Members of Parliament a biodegradable bag full of products that are supported by our sustainable fibre – such as toilet paper, wine, eggs, and fruit and veg, wooden chopping board and pallets – all essential everyday items that are sustainably grown from our forest industries, the ultimate renewable.”
Minister for Primary Industries, Regional Development and Forest Industries Clare Scriven said South Australia’s forest and timber industries have a rich history, dating back to 1875 where South Australia first established a forest management organisation, with the first seedlings planted in the Bundaleer Forests the following year.
“This anniversary serves as a reminder of South Australia’s pivotal role in shaping the forest and timber industries in Australia and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future contributions of this resilient and pioneering industry,” she said.
“The government have invested more than $19m into the forest and timber industries and understand the forestry supply value chain is crucial to our state’s economic and environmental success.”
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Nicola Centofanti said she was proud to stand with SAFPA in celebration of the historic milestone.
“Primary industries are crucial to the South Australian economy, and commercial forestry has been a cornerstone of our production for 150 years. It is a testament to the dedication of the people who created this sector, which today supports over 21,300 jobs and covers over 176,000 hectares of commercial plantings,” she said.
“Timber is an essential product across multiple aspects of daily life and it is vital we support the businesses that ensure we create enough hardwood, softwood and fibres to not only meet our needs, but allow multiple related sectors to thrive.
“There are fantastic career pathways in this sector and I want to see more young people involved in the sector to ensure South Australia remains a strong player in this space.
“Forestry is a fundamental part of the cultural fabric in many of South Australia’s regional towns, and I look forward to supporting these workers and their communities, well in our state’s future.”
